Impact of breed on canine humeral condylar fracture configuration, surgical management, and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence, configuration, risk factors, fixation methods and outcomes after repair of humeral condylar fractures (HCF) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective nested cohort study. SAMPLE POPULATION: One hundred twelve dogs. METHODS: Medical records of dogs referred between January 2010 and August 2018 were searched for HCF. Demographics, fracture configuration, repair, and complications were obtained from medical records. Radiographs were assessed for fracture reduction, implant positioning, and bone healing. Short-term radiographic and clinical outcomes, and long-term owner-assessed outcome was determined. Associations between these variables were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Dogs with HCF represented 112 of 43 325 (0.26%, 95% CI 0.22-0.31) referrals. French bulldogs and spaniel breeds were predisposed to HCF (P < .02). French bulldogs were 6.58 times (95% CI 1.62-26.7) more likely than other breeds to have a medial HCF (P = .008). Epicondylar plate fixation was associated with reduced complications compared with lag screws and Kirschner wires (P = .009). Lameness was scored as 1 of 5 (median) in the 85 dogs with initial follow-up (median 6 weeks) after HCF repair. Outcome was considered excellent in 26 of 31 dogs with long-term follow-up (median 36 months). CONCLUSION: French bulldogs and spaniels were predisposed to HCF, and medial HCF were more common in French bulldogs. Epicondylar plate fixation was associated with reduced complications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: French bulldogs are predisposed to HCF, including medial HCF. Epicondylar plate fixation is recommended over other epicondylar fixation methods to reduce complications.

Prognostic factors for short-term survival of dogs that experience postattenuation seizures after surgical correction of single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts: 93 cases (2005-2018).

OBJECTIVE: To identify prognostic factors for short-term survival of dogs that experience seizures within 7 days after surgical correction of single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (cEHPSS). STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Ninety-three client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records at 14 veterinary institutions were reviewed to identify dogs that underwent surgical attenuation of a single cEHPSS from January 1, 2005 through February 28, 2018 and experienced postattenuation seizures (PAS) within 7 days postoperatively. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with 1-month survival. Factors investigated included participating institution, signalment, shunt morphology, concurrent/historical conditions, presence of preoperative neurologic signs, presence of preoperative seizures, aspects of preoperative medical management, surgical details including method and degree of shunt attenuation, type of PAS (focal only or generalized ± focal), drugs administered as part of the treatment of PAS, and development of complications during treatment of PAS. RESULTS: Thirty (32.3%) dogs survived to 30 days. Seventy-six (81.7%) dogs experienced generalized PAS. Factors positively associated with short-term survival included having a history of preoperative seizures (P = .004) and development of focal PAS only (P = .0003). Most nonsurvivors were humanely euthanized because of uncontrolled or recurrent seizures. CONCLUSION: Dogs that experienced PAS that had a history of preoperative seizures and those that experienced focal PAS only had significantly improved short-term survival. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this study provide information that will help in the counseling of owners who seek treatment for PAS after surgical correction of cEHPSS. © 2020 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Effect of prophylactic treatment with levetiracetam on the incidence of postattenuation seizures in dogs undergoing surgical management of single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

OBJECTIVE: To report the incidence of postattenuation seizures (PAS) in dogs that underwent single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (cEHPSS) attenuation and to compare incidence of PAS in dogs that either did or did not receive prophylactic treatment with levetiracetam (LEV). STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective study. POPULATION: Nine hundred forty dogs. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs that underwent surgical attenuation of a single cEHPSS from January 2005 through July 2017 and developed PAS within 7 days postoperatively. Dogs were divided into 3 groups: no LEV (LEV-); LEV at ≥15 mg/kg every 8 hours for ≥24 hours preoperatively or a 60 mg/kg intravenous loading dose perioperatively, followed by ≥15 mg/kg every 8 hours postoperatively (LEV1); and LEV at <15 mg/kg every 8 hours, for <24 hours preoperatively, or continued at <15 mg/kg every 8 hours postoperatively (LEV2). RESULTS: Seventy-five (8.0%) dogs developed PAS. Incidence of PAS was 35 of 523 (6.7%), 21 of 188 (11.2%), and 19 of 228 (8.3%) in groups LEV-, LEV1, and LEV2, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (P = .14). No differences between groups of dogs that seized with respect to investigated variables were identified. CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of PAS was low (8%). Prophylactic treatment with LEV according to the protocols that were investigated in our study was not associated with a reduced incidence of PAS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Prophylactic treatment with LEV does not afford protection against development of PAS. Surgically treated dogs should continue to be monitored closely during the first 7 days postoperatively for seizures.